Politics

Race Tightens in Heated 10th District

Comstock, Bennett crisscross Northern Virginia in all-out effort to reach key voters.

In the final, frantic days of the one of the most unpredictable and unprecedented elections in modern history, both candidates spent the blustery fall weekend crisscrossing the sprawling, diverse 10th district - meeting residents, rallying volunteers and campaigning hard for voters’ support.

Bulova: Vote Yes

A legally binding commitment 70 percent would go to Fairfax County Public Schools.

I was elected chairman in 2009, just as the Great Recession settled over this country like a stubborn storm cloud. The market value of property in Fairfax County plummeted, resulting in historic reductions in both residential and commercial tax revenues. At the same time, more people than ever turned to the county for assistance. Former County Executive Tony Griffin’s prediction, in the throes of the Recession years, that “this will be our new normal” has proven prescient.

Tireless Advocate for the Community

Letter to the Editor

Small business is the backbone of the American economy, employing 55 percent of Americans. However, I’ve watched it become increasingly more difficult to survive under the onslaught of federal regulations and taxes thrown on small businesses.

Great Falls: Christmas Trees Cut Only for Taxes

Dranesville Planning Commissioner John Ulfelder described the enjoyment a 22.13-acre contiguous parcel of land at 910 Utterback Store Road gives Great Falls.

Supervisors Debate Meal Tax in Great Falls

Foust, Herrity present pro & cons of the proposed tax; Great Falls residents join debate.

On Tuesday, Oct. 11, the Great Falls Citizens Association hosted debates on two major ballot issues: the proposed Virginia Constitutional Amendment on “Right to Work” and the Fairfax County Meals Tax, a referendum which will be on the November 8 election ballot. The Meals Tax is a tax imposed on the purchase of all prepared or ready-to-eat foods and beverages. It would require all restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, movie theater concessions, and any other food service businesses selling prepared food to collect the tax, at a proposed 4 percent rate of the amount charged for the food.

Alexandria: The Unlikely Republican

Hernick

Republican candidate Charles Hernick meets at Commonwealth Joe’s, a coffee shop in Pentagon City so new it hasn’t even had its official opening. It’s populated almost exclusively by millennials, and Hernick fits right in. When asked about the political issues that matter to them, the students and baristas at Commonwealth Joe’s all answer that climate change and combating student debt are their key voting issues. It’s a liberal atmosphere, but that doesn’t stop Hernick from trying to win them over.

Alexandria: Money Talks

Citizens unite over city budget priorities.

Above all else, Alexandrians want a healthier and more transit accessible city, and they’re willing to pay for it. At a meeting on Oct. 13 at Patrick Henry Elementary School, the city’s FY2018 budget process kicked off with an opportunity for the 50 citizens present to voice their thoughts on what parts of the budget merited further investment.

Arlington: The Unconventional Race

8th District election pits Beyer against Hernick.

While the nation chooses between two Presidential candidates of extreme political and temperamental differences, voters in Virginia’s 8th District face a different kind of decision. As Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Beyer runs for reelection, he faces opposition from an un-Trump-like Republican candidate. Republican candidate Charles Hernick meets at Commonwealth Joe’s, a coffee shop in Pentagon City so new it hasn’t even had its official opening. It’s populated almost exclusively by millennials, and Hernick fits right in. When asked about the political issues that matter to them, the students and baristas at Commonwealth Joe’s all answer that climate change and combating student debt are their key voting issues. It’s a liberal atmosphere, but that doesn’t stop Hernick from trying to win them over.

Alexandria Snapshot: It’s Official

Led by Mayor Allison Silberberg, dignitaries gathered Sept. 7 for the official ribbon-cutting at Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge, located at the Alexandria waterfront. From left are Scott Shaw of Alexandria Restaurant Partners, Councilman Tim Lovain, McArthur Myers, Mayor Silberberg, Peter Lawson, Janet Barnett, Michele Evans, Councilwoman Del Pepper, Jim Moran and Sheriff Dana Lawhorne.

Connolly: Competent, Caring, Accessible

With all the headlines on the devastating impacts of climate change in our country and worldwide, it is comforting to know we have a champion for these problems in our Congressman Gerald Connolly.

Debating Pro & Con on Meals Tax

League of Women Voters hosts forum on Meals Tax issue.

The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area sponsored a debate-style panel discussion on the Meals Tax issue which will go before county voters in the Nov. 8 General Election.

Interfaith Partners for Justice Address Needs of Returning Citizens

Interfaith Partners for Justice (IPJ), a cooperative effort of members of ten Northern Virginia faith communities, invites returning citizens (ex-offenders), people of faith and justice advocates to come together for a come-when-you-can afternoon of opportunities for voter registration and photo IDs, as well as a series of workshops, advocacy tables and conversations on the needs of returning citizens (often less hopefully and permanently called “ex-offenders”) on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, 2 to 5 p.m. at Lake Anne Community Center, 1609 A Washington Plaza in Reston.

Arlington: Clement Challenges Garvey

Garvey faces longshot opposition from Clement.

The odds are not good for Audrey Clement. In November, Clement is the sole opposition to Libby Garvey, the incumbent County Board chair.

Alexandria: Huchler Named Acting Chief

Head of Investigations appointed temporary chief of police.

Deputy Chief David Huchler was named acting chief of police for the City of Alexandria, effective Oct. 2. Huchler succeeds Chief Earl Cook, who is retiring.

Alexandria: John Warner Chooses Clinton

With Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate Tim Kaine joining him at Charles Houston Recreation Center on Wednesday, Sept. 28, Republican former U.S. Sen. John Warner, former chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former Secretary of the U.S. Navy, endorsed Democratic Candidate Hillary Clinton, citing his experience working with her in the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The Connection